Affidavit

(af-fi-davit.) [L. af fido, I confirm by oath.] (Law.) A statement or declaration reduced to writing, and sworn or affirmed to before some officer who has authority to administer an oath. An A. called A. to hold to bail is required in many cases before a person can be arrested. It must contain a clear statement of the facts, and show a distinct cause of action. [s. 11]